Award-winning florist told to take down sign

1:14pm Friday 4th July 2008

LIFE is far from rosy for a shopkeeper judged Britain's top florist.

Instead of winning the plaudits of her local council, Kaye Allan has received a written caution for displaying a sign above the entrance to her shop in Yarm High Street, proclaiming her success in winning the National Flower Shop of the Year award.

Mrs Allan, who trades as Diana Kaye, has been ordered by Stockton Borough Council to take down the "unauthorised advertisement display" sign or face a possible fine of £2,500 each day it remains in position.

She has received a written caution under the provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

Mrs Allan said: "This is the first time I have had a caution.

"I am just bewildered, that they should react like this, rather than shouting about it.

"I didn't realise the council had these powers, but would have thought it would have been the police.

"A lot of the florists had backing from their councils. One lady who entered the competition down south found the flags were literally being put out for her.

"There are eight of us in the shop and none of us has a police record.

"All I am trying to do is run a business. It is a temporary sign."

Mrs Allan beat more than 1,500 entries to win the top florist award, made by the Flower Council of Holland.

The council's reaction could mean she will think twice about defending her national title.

"It makes you question whether it is worth it," she said.

Mrs Allan has been told by the council that her shop is a listed building and, had she applied for planning approval to erect the 11ft long by 20in wide sign, "it would not have been approved".

Stockton Borough Council said Yarm Town Council received similar instructions to remove a banner advertising the Yarm Gala on June 22 from the wall of the town hall, which was built in 1710.

The giant banner, larger than the florist's board, was removed only after the weekend gala.

Mrs Allan was having her sign taken down on Tuesday.

A spokesman for Stockton Borough Council said: "Firstly, we congratulate Diana Kaye on winning her prestigious award and we are all proud of the successful and flourishing businesses in Yarm and across the borough.

"We have received a number of formal complaints about the number of banners being erected on buildings and structures in the borough and, as a local authority, have a statutory duty to enforce the regulations."

The spokesman added: "We in no way wish to quell the efforts of businesses and individuals, and appreciate all the wonderful events and commercial activities Yarm has to offer, and we work with businesses to help them further improve their economic development.

"We have been in contact with a number of businesses and organisations regarding the issue of unauthorised banners and have taken a fair and consistent approach with them all.

"We thank Diana Kaye for her co-operation, along with others we have contacted."